Donation Funds - Illinois Restaurant Association

Donation Funds

The Illinois Restaurant Association is able to continue its mission because of your support and generosity. By contributing to a campaign listed below, you'll help ensure that our work continues. Online donations are quick and easy using our secure credit card transactions. We welcome donations of all sizes and payment plans – whether it's a one-time gift, a monthly contribution or part of a matching gifts program.

IRA Educational Foundation - General Donation » Donate Online

The IRA Educational Foundation develops the future hospitality workforce through career exploration, internships, and scholarships for ProStart® high school students.

IRAEF Educational - Scholarship Fund » Donate Online

Since its inception, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has awarded over $3.2 million to deserving students pursuing Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management in post-secondary degrees. Please donate today. This year’s scholarship recipients will attend 13 different colleges and universities – a mix of local community/city colleges, state schools, and private institutions throughout the U.S.

IL ProStart High School Invitational Support or Team Sponsor » Donate Online

Support over 40 High School Programs as the top Culinary and Management compete for the statewide title and a shot at Nationals! Statewide competition lets students demonstrate their skills and be judged by top industry professionals. Team Sponsorships pay for purchasing and shipping equipment and supplies, lodging, bus transport, and a team meal. ProStart blends culinary arts and management topics to develop well-rounded skills that translate to the workplace.

Political Action Committee » Donate Online

The Illinois Restaurateurs’ Political Action Committee (IRPAC) supports Illinois candidates who support the restaurant industry.

Charles and Rochelle Trotter Culinary Endowment - IRAEF Scholarship Fund » Donate Online

In 2016, Mrs. Rochelle Trotter established the “Charles and Rochelle Trotter Culinary Endowment” to continue her late husband’s legacy of providing need-based culinary scholarships to deserving youth. The IRA Educational Foundation was selected as the sole partner for distributing scholarships from this new endowment. 100% of all donations are allocated to scholarships and are tax deductible. The IRAEFis a 501c3 organization.

IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund » Donate Online

The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund grants support our foodservice community who have been impacted by challenges beyond covid-19, including accidents, illness, injury, death of an immediate family member, or natural disaster.